All 24 episodes of ‘The X-Files’ Season 1 (1993-94), ranked
TV review: In a case of fortuitous timing, Chris Carter’s SF/conspiracy blend became a cult hit for a fledgling network.
Vampire popularity may have peaked, but it won’t go away (Book, TV and movie commentary)
In a Sedalia bookstore, they have a shelf full of vampire books. Not just a section labeled “vampires”; I mean a full standalone bookshelf with four or five shelves on it. I asked the proprietor about it and he shook his head in exasperation and told me how many vampire books they get each time […]
7 big ideas on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (TV commentary)
I intended to round out my top 20 “Curb Your Enthusiasm” issues with seven “big issues.” But really, are these issues bigger than the 13 bits of minutiae explored in my previous post? When you boil it down, no. I’m reminded of “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff — and it’s all small stuff,” a wonderfully titled book […]
13 classic ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ conundrums (TV commentary)
“Seinfeld” was one of the best shows of the ’90s because it explored minutiae; “Curb Your Enthusiasm” was one of the best shows of the Aughts (and will continue to be a top show of the ’10s) for the same reason, but also because it explores bigger societal issues. (And yes, as The Lonely Island recognizes, both […]
Jenny Lewis finds musical soulmate on new album (Music review)
Continuing Las Vegas Musician Week at my blog, Jenny Lewis recently released a new album, and although it’s not as lyrically substantial as some of her previous efforts, it does achieve a nice, beachy sound to compliment her voice.
How do you make a good website? Fincher doesn’t have answer, but he knows how to make a good film: ‘The Social Network’ (Movie review)
I love the combination of director David Fincher and historical topics. In his 2007 movie “Zodiac,” it seemed like he went back in time to a 1970s newsroom to capture the drama around the hunt for a serial killer.
Killers frontman Flowers’ versatility blooms on ‘Flamingo’ (Music review)
I think Brandon Flowers or his band, The Killers, will make a better album than “Flamingo” in the future, but this is a step in the direction of greatness. Working sans band, Flowers’ most impressive feat on this disc is that no two tracks can be confused with each other, starting with “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas,” […]
First episode impressions: ‘Law & Order: Los Angeles’ (TV review)
Here are my first impressions of “Law & Order: Los Angeles,” which airs at 9 p.m. Central Wednesdays on NBC.
‘No Ordinary Family’ driven by talented, easy-to-like cast
First episode impressions (TV review): The new ABC series shows family life for superheroes.
First episode impressions: ‘Undercovers’ and ‘My Generation’ (TV reviews)
Here are my first impressions of “Undercovers” (7 p.m. Central Wednesdays, NBC) and “My Generation” (7 p.m. Central Thursdays, ABC).